Steve Bruce has excelled in this area as Newcastle’s head coach

Newcastle United are coming off a 4-0 thrashing in London, but Steve Bruce is known for getting the best out of his players after big defeats.

Newcastle United experienced quite the collapse in the second half of Sunday’s clash against Arsenal. With the score level at 0-0 at the half, the Magpies had the Gunners right where they wanted them, but Mikel Arteta’s side fired in four easy goals to thrash Newcastle United.

Fans have every right to be upset about that performance. Allan Saint-Maximin gave it his all over the weekend, but where was the rest of the squad? Steve Bruce received a lot of criticism from fans on social media after Sunday’s defeat, but fans need to remember two things.

Firstly, the season is a marathon. Every team goes through ups and downs, and Newcastle United had one bad performance against an elite team that has been under-performing this season. Prior to this game, the Magpies were unbeaten in their last four league games. Secondly, and most importantly, fans need to realize that Bruce has worked wonders with this team after suffering big defeats.

Here are a few examples. Norwich City embarrassed Newcastle United in matchweek two, but the Magpies turned the dial and upset Tottenham in London the following weekend. Another good example is when Leicester City defeated Newcastle United 5-0. Instead of losing their confidence, the Magpies raised their heads and upset Manchester United in their next game.

Let’s also not forget when Aston Villa claimed a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Villa Park, but the Magpies decided to play with amnesia over the next few weeks by taking seven points from Manchester City, Sheffield United and Southampton. It is easy to go after Bruce when the team loses, but give the man credit for the work he has done in terms of keeping this team focused despite the adversity they have faced.

If anything, let’s hope this trend of bouncing back keeps going because now is the time for a resurgence. With games against Crystal Palace, Burnley and Southampton next up for the Toon, at least two wins in these clashes might just be enough for the club to maintain its Premier League status for the fourth consecutive season.